That moment when I've a tendinitis in my wrist but still managed to write a chapter. Please don't ask how I got it ^^'.
Once again, Shiena found herself in some predicament thanks to old classmates. Well, this time it was mainly Otoya's fault.
Hidden behind a overturned table, Shiena was trying to avoid getting caught into the fight that was happening in the room. There was someone else hidden with her, another girl. The latter was shivering in fear, curled up. She had long silver hair and was wearing a maid uniform.
Shiena somewhat felt bad for her, despite the fact that she was kind of responsible for her actual predicament. Sooner today, Otoya had decided to go outside for a walk, with of course sunglasses and a cap to hide her identity since she was still searched by the police. And during that walk, Otoya had met Banba, or rather her daytime persona, Mahiru. Shiena wasn't there when it happened, but she knew that Otoya had probably tried to attack Banba, which had angered a certain oujo-sama. This is how they all got themselves into this predicament.
The brunette looked at Banba. Right now she had her vulnerable personality, she was completely helpless. It would be so easy to tackle her and use her as an hostage to stop the fight...
"No!" Shiena reconsidered. "I...I can't do that, to such an innocent girl. It would be wrong..."
She had always felt sympathy towards Banba, even since they were both in Class Black. She looked too much like a bullied victim that Shiena couldn't help but feeling pity for her, and to relate to her. Shiena felt even more bad to know that Otoya might have attacked her, since she remembered that she used to bully Banba back in Class Black. There was no way that in those circonstances, Shiena would use Banba for Otoya's sake. it just felt plainly wrong.
"Otoya is the one who caused all of this, she has to deal with it by herself."
Despite thinking that, Shiena couldn't help but worrying about Otoya. She didn't want her to get hurt, or worst, to die. She never thought that her opponent could be strong, but she knew that she should underestimate her. The latter was still an assassin after all.
Carefully, Shiena approached from the table's edge, to take a look at the fight. She wanted to be sure Otoya was alright. When she could see what was happening, the brunette discovered that the fight was still going on. Otoya was fighting with her usual weapon, a pair of scissors, while Sumireko was fighting with bare hands. Shiena was surprised to see that Hanabusa was a skilled fighter. She always thought that Sumireko was a fragile girl, no in fact it was the latter who claimed that.
"She tricked us all...she's not a frail girl at all, she knows how to fight!"
Even if she had no weapon, Sumireko seemed to be dominated the fight, which worried Shiena. She was even considering to sneak behind Sumireko to help Otoya defeating her, but she didn't want Otoya to kill her either. Maybe if she went between them she could stop the fight. Otoya wouldn't hurt her, but Sumireko...Shiena liked to believe that she wasn't the type to harm someone who didn't wrong her. After all, Hanabusa couldn't be so bad, since she was protecting Banba.
But before she could do anything, Shiena heard footsteps behind her. She didn't have the time to turn back that someone grabbed her arm and twisted it in her back. Shiena let out a slight cry of pain, and she heard a giggle behind her.
"If ya don't want to get hurt, just behave and I won't break your arm."
Shiena blenched when she heard that voice. She had forgotten about her. A strong feeling of panic overtook her when she realized who was restraining her.
"O-Otoya! Help me!" Shiena called desperately.
The serial killer immediately froze and looked at Shiena with what appeared to be concern. Sumireko also stopped fighting, and began to smirk. Shiena then felt a arm wrapping around her neck, slightly strangling her.
"Yo, Takechi! If ya don't want your fluffy girlfriend to become my target practice, ya better get away from mah Sumi! If she has to die, it will be by my hands!"
"Oh my, Shinya-san, you are so lovely ~. But I can take care of myself, even if I still appreciate your gesture." Hanabusa said.
"You...get your hands off my Shiena-chan! Or I'll fucking kill you both!" Otoya shouted angrily.
Sumireko walk away from her opponent and headed towards Shinya and her hostage. Shiena began to be worried for her safety. Shinya was far from being a soft person, and she began to think that maybe Sumireko was worst then she thought. The malicious smile on Hanabusa's face didn't help comforting her at all.
"Oh no, Takechi-san, you will do nothing like that, unless...you do not care about what will happen to Kenmochi-san." Sumireko warned.
The latter was now next to Shiena, while Otoya had still not move from her initial spot. But she was still holding her scissors and looked like she was ready to rush towards them at any moment.
"Oh my, but...you actually listen to me! How surprising. I find hard to believe that a serial killer such as yourself actually care about another human being's life. Unless...you just do not want us to break you favorite toy."
Otoya didn't reply anything to this. Shiena hoped that her girlfriend truly cared about her, but knowing what type of person she was, it might be the second option...but in her current situation, Shiena was fine with it. After all, she couldn't expect a lot from a psychopath, so the least she could do was to be satisfied with what she got.
"What do you want?" Otoya asked coldly.
"So cooperative, good," Sumireko began to say sarcastically. "Let see...you bullied Banba-san quite a lot when we were in Class Black, and you tried to attack her today. And always when it was Mahiru-san. I think it is unfair for you to lay a hand on a vulnerable girl such a her. How about you fight someone of your size for once? Like...Shinya-san."
After she had said those words, Shinya released Shiena and left the room. Meanwhile, it was now Sumireko who was restraining the brunette. Unlike Banba, Hanabusa's grasp was somewhat softer and less painful, but Shiena could feel her great strength. It was better for her to not fight back.
After few minutes, Shiena heard a heavy noise, resembling something that was dragged on the floor. Shinya went back inside the dining room, dragging with her a huge sledgehammer. She then without breaking a sweat lift the sledgehammer with one hand and leaned the handle on her shoulder like it weighted the same pound as a feather.
"Takechi! Imma make ya regret to have hurt Mahiru! You're gonna suffer!" Shinya shouted with a devilish grin, before she headed towards Otoya.
Shinya lifted her sledgehammer, ready to smash it on Otoya's head. The latter dodged the attack and tried to stab her opponent with her scissors, but Shinya managed to avoid it. A sadistic grin appeared on Otoya's face as she continued to fight Banba, while Sumireko discretely brought Shiena out of the room. The brunette didn't fight back, knowing it was probably what was best for her right now. But she couldn't help but being worried about Otoya.
"Kenmochi-san...I do not know what to say, you...do you realize how much in trouble you are? You are playing with forces that are beyond your understanding."
Sumireko had brought Shiena in an empty room and had closed the door.
"I...what do you mean? You...why did you ask me to come here?" Shiena asked nervously.
Sooner today, when Otoya was supposedly outside for a walk, Shiena had received a call from Sumireko, telling her that she had capture Otoya because she had attacked Banba. Sumireko had then asked to come to her house, or else, something bad would happen to Otoya. But when she arrived, her girlfriend had freed herself and was fighting against Hanabusa.
"I must admit that I am surprise that you came here, Kenmochi-san. I thought that you would take advantage of the situation to get rid of Takechi-san and hoped that I would kill her if you did not come."
"That still doesn't answer my question. Why did you make me come here?"
"Oh my, such impatience! Worry not, I do not have the intention to hurt you in any way, but I cannot say the same for everyone..."
"What...what do you mean?"
"Do not play dumb. You are trying to hack Myojo Academy, right?"
Shiena blenched when she heard those words and her hands shivered.
"I...no...not anymore."
Sumireko signed when she heard that.
"So it was true...getting into trouble with Myojo is playing with fire, you know that? I am not sure if it was stupid or brave of you...probably both."
"I'm not doing it anymore okay!? Why do you care? How did you know?"
"It might surprise you, but I actually appreciate you. I would not want you to meet an awful fate just because you get too curious. Let say that Takechi-san attacking Banba-san was a good opportunity for you and I to have a little talk. And I know personally the chairwoman, so I heard about it."
"You...I must admit that I respected you when we were in Class Black. I liked how you defended Banba from Otoya, I viewed you as someone who oppose bullying and stand for the weak," Shiena replied. "I appreciate your concern about me, but I'm fine. I'm not hacking Myojo anymore. And about Otoya...I'm sorry for what she did."
"Uh, I see. Well I do dislike bullying, but I am not the type to defend the weak. But you know Banba-san, it is hard to resist helping her. About Takechi-san...I see that you are calling her by her first name, and she even claimed to be your girlfriend. It cannot be true...right?"
"I...I'm dating Otoya."
Sumireko remained quiet for a moment, like she needed some time to process the information.
"Kenmochi-san, I hope you do realize what type of people Takechi-san is."
"A psychopathic and sadistic serial killer, yes I know."
"And...you are dating her?"
"I know it sounds crazy, but...it just kind of happen. She escaped from jail...again, and then she found my apartment and...things happened."
"I see. I suppose that the bandage on your cheek is one of those 'things' that happened."
Shiena replied nothing to that. She really didn't want to talk in what circumstances her relationship with Otoya began.
"I suppose it answers my question," Sumireko began to say, as she approached from Shiena. "Kenmochi-san, when I said you were playing with things beyond your understanding, I was also talking about Takechi-san. This girl...is far too dangerous for someone like you to handle. There is no way that girl can truly love you anyway..."
"You're wrong! Psychopaths can love...Otoya loves me!"
Sumireko was now right in front of her. Even if she was still mad, Shiena was also afraid of what Sumireko could do to her.
"Psychopaths, love? Where did you find that fairy tale? Sure love can have many shape, but without empathy, one cannot truly love. Unless you consider obsession and dependency as love, then yes...but this type of love is unhealthy." Hanabusa replied.
"You...you shouldn't judge me, just look who you love!"
This time, Sumireko looked annoyed, which worried Shiena even more. The latter even began to recoil.
"What is wrong with Banba-san?"
"Uh...she's a nice girl, but...you know...her split personality. That's schizophrenia, or psychosis. And she's pretty much a serial killer too...I think."
"It is true that Banba-san does fit the serial killer's type, but she is indeed mentally ill. But, her madness is part of her charm. And it is not like she chose to be this way. I admit that her killing is not what I want and I am trying to help her control her lust for murder..."
"I could say the same for Otoya! She's born psychopath, it isn't her fault if she's that way! And I'm also trying to make her stop killing, and it works..."
Shiena realized that she couldn't recoil anymore. She had reached a wall. Sumireko stopped right in front of her and put her hand right next to Shiena's head.
"You are wrong on that one, Kenmochi-san. You cannot compare psychosis and psychopathy. The proof is, for the crime of murder, a psychopathic killer will go to jail, while a psychotic one will go into an asylum. You see, there is a concept called non criminally responsible, when someone is too disconnect from reality to be send to jail. In those case, the killers are sent into asylum. A psychotic killer cannot control themselves, but a psychopathic one can. It is true that she is born that way, but she still chose to kill from her own free will. Many psychopaths do not become killer, she had no excuse. So do not compare Banba-san to Takechi-san please, those two are not the same."
"But...what can I do? It's too late for be! I'm in couple with Otoya, she's living with me, she said that she loves me...I...can't get rid of her."
"So that is your problem, you are stuck with Takechi-san. Well in that case, I can do you a favor and kill her for you...well, unless Shinya-san had already did it..."
Immediately, Shiena pushed Sumireko away and rushed towards the door. She didn't have the time to do more then three steps that Sumireko grabbed her wrist and forced her to stop.
"Where do you think you are going like that?"
"Isn't obvious?! I'm gonna save Otoya!"
"Really? Why not just let her die? You would be free, and you would get rid of a potential threat."
"I don't care, let me go!"
Shiena struggled and managed to break free from Sumireko's grasp, but she couldn't approach the door. Sumireko had been faster then her and was now blocking the exit.
"This is basic survival, you need to get rid of what is a threat to your life. Takechi-san is endangering your life, she is a psychopathic serial killer, you cannot trust her!"
"That's my life and I'm the one who should judge!"
Shiena ran towards the door, ready to push Sumireko out of her way. But as soon as she arrived in front of her, it was Sumireko who pushed her away with great strength, enough to make Shiena fell on the ground.
"She...she's really strong!"
Shiena immediately got up. Sumireko was far from being an easy opponent to defeat. If she wanted to have a chance to win or at least escape, she had to fight seriously. Shiena raised her fist, ready to punch Sumireko. But the latter dodged it easily and made her tripped. Once again, the brunette found herself on the floor.
"You are really pitiful right now, Kenmochi-san. Just give up already, you are no match to me. You are just making me feel like a bully, picking on the weak like that..."
"I'm not weak! And how can you not understand!? You would do the same if Banba was in danger!"
"Indeed, but unlike you, I can protect her, because I am the strongest. The weakling should just watch from afar and curse there own weakness, or become stronger..."
"You, the strongest? I don't think so, otherwise you would have won Class Black. But from what I heard, Ichinose is still alive..."
Shiena was suddenly lifted from the ground. Sumireko had grabbed her collar and kept her in the air, gazing at her with a threatening look.
"You should be careful with what you said, Kenmochi-san. I am still way stronger then you, and strong enough to protect those I love. I admit that you have a strong will and a lot of determination, but without a strong body or the means to defend and protect, it is useless. Just accept it. Why would you even make so much effort to save Takechi-san anyway..."
"Because I love her!" Shiena shouted from the bottom of her heart.
Shiena blenched from her own words. She couldn't believe what she just said, but she knew that it was the truth. Sumireko just remained speechless, like she couldn't believe it either. Tears began to roll on Shiena cheeks.
"Why...why everyone keeps trying to get in the way of my happiness? Why everyone wants me to be miserable...Just stop judging my life! Stop trying to choose things for me! Stop patronizing me and threat me like I was worthless! I'm tired of people wanting to kill my girlfriend and judge me over who I love! I didn't choose it! It's my life! It's not your fucking business! Leave me alone! Stop bullying me!" Shiena shouted angrily with teary eyes, before she suddenly burst in tears and began to sob pitifully. "Please...don't take away the only thing that makes me truly happy, I need her...she's the only one who ever loved me and make me feel good! I'm begging you, don't...take her away from me..."
Sumireko suddenly released Shiena's collar and the latter fell on the floor, again. Sumireko then knelt and grabbed the brunette's chin, to look her right in the eyes.
"You are lucky that I do not like to feel like a bully. So here is what we are going to do. I will let you leave with Takechi-san this time. You will not try to hack Myojo Academy anymore. And I am warning you. If Takechi-san tried to harm me or Banba-san, I will not show any mercy and kill her, understood?"
"...y-yes..."
"Good. And just to be sure you are understanding in what you are throwing yourself into, your girlfriend likes to kill. Mine too. But I can control her murderous instincts. Maybe you can too. But if you fail to control Takechi-san's blood lust, and you still defend her, let me tell you that you would not worth better then her. I do believe you are a good person, so I will give you the benefit of the doubt. She is the type who cannot live without dominating and hurting others, so prepare yourself to get us to it. Anyway, unless Takechi-san is a threat for me or Banba-san, I would not get involve. This will be my first and only chance I give to both of you. Oh, and just one piece of advise. Go see a therapist. You need it. Because if your happiness depends of someone like Takechi-san, you got serious issues."
Sumireko let go of Shiena's chin and help her to get back on her feet. The brunette was breathing faster, just like her heartbeat. She was almost having a panic attack. Sumireko took out a tissue and wiped Shiena's tears.
"Now that we made things clear, let's go see how our girlfriends are doing, and hoped that it is not too late for Takechi-san. I hate to make fake promise."
"I didn't lose, I swear!" Otoya declared. "It was a tie!"
"Yeah yeah, you said that at least five times."
They were both back at Shiena's apartment, sitting on the couch. The brunette was nursing her girlfriend, who had some minor injuries due to her fight with Shinya. When Sumireko and her had arrived to stop the fight, both Otoya and Shinya had lost their respective weapon and were fighting with their fists. The result was just few bruises and scratches, which Shiena put a bandage on.
"Next time, I swear, I'll..."
"No!" Shiena suddenly exclaimed. "You won't do anything to them. Never!"
"Uh? Why?"
"Because...next time, Hanabusa will kill you. And I don't want you to die..."
"Then I just have to not lose..."
"OTOYA!"
The serial killer looked shock when she heard Shiena shouted like that.
"What...what's wrong?"
"I...I'm warning you...I don't want you to attack them, or anyone else. I don't want you to hurt or kill anymore. Because...if you got into trouble because of that, I won't help you. And if you manage to survive, then...I'll break up with you. I don't care if you kill me because of that, I won't accept that you cause harm to others anymore."
Otoya gazed at her with a cold expression that almost seemed murderous.
"Are you...threatening me and giving me orders?"
"No...you...you really don't get it! You...you do those kind of things because it gives you sexual pleasure...so if you continue, it means...that I'm not enough for you. That I can't satisfy you, that you...don't really love me..."
Otoya suddenly looked furious and grabbed Shiena by the shoulders.
"Of course I love you!"
"Then prove it! I can't accept to be with someone who's hurting others, I can't protect someone like that!"
"You...I see. You have a pure heart, I guess it can't be help. After all, that's the reason I fell in love with you in the first place...but then,why did you come to save me today? It's not the first time you protected me, isn't? You also said you didn't want me to die...why?"
"Because I...I..."
Shiena didn't managed to finish her sentence, she just started to cry. Otoya suddenly released her with a worried expression.
"Shiena-chan?! Are you hurt somewhere?"
"No...I'm not..." Shiena said between two sobs.
Otoya examined Shiena with curiosity in her eyes, before suddenly hugging her in a gentle way.
"What...what are you doing?"
"Well, since you aren't crying because of physical pain, I assume that you're afflicted by emotional pain. Hug seems to be the proper reaction to this type of pain, isn't?" Otoya replied.
Of course, it was a typical reaction for Otoya. But at least she was making some efforts despite not feeling any true empathy.
"Why are you crying?"
"Because...I love you."
"Uh? You...you love me?!" Otoya exclaimed before she looked at Shiena right in the eyes. "But it's amazing! Why are you crying then? It makes me happy to hear those words, but I don't like to see you cry, it ruins your beauty."
"It's...just hard to accept the truth, that I...fell in love with you..."
Listening to her desire, Shiena suddenly kissed Otoya passionately, which her girlfriend more then happily respond too. After a moment of intense kissing, Shiena suddenly broke it to look at Otoya in the eyes, with still tears in hers.
"Otoya...tell me that you love me, that I'm enough for you, that you are...satisfy with me."
"Shiena-chan...I love you. You're all I need to be happy." Otoya said sweetly, because a malicious smile appeared on her lips. "Only I can love you this way. No one else can love you as much as I love you. The love I have for you is unbeatable. No one can understand your beauty as I do. This is why only I can truly love you."
Those words both made Shiena happy and sad. She was happy to be loved so much, but at the same time, sad because she actually thought that only Otoya could indeed love her. With still tears in her eyes, Shiena smiled weakly, before letting out a small giggle that sounded like a girl that had give up on her own sanity.
"...and I'm also the only one who can love you, despite knowing what kind of person you are." Shiena replied.
Otoya remained speechless for a moment, before she giggled madly and tackled Shiena on the couch.
"I guess you're right. It makes me happy to be loved by you, so much that I won't kill you, to keep you with me forever." Otoya softly whispered, before she kissed her, while her knee was rubbing between Shiena's legs.
The brunette let out a slight moan of pleasure. In normal circumstances, it would have freaked her out. Shiena had finally accepted her love for Otoya, as well as what kind of person her girlfriend was. She accepted what kind of fate she had doomed herself to, that it was too late to go back to her old life now. And right now...she had no regret.
Finally Shiena confessed her feelings! Isn't great? ...I feel dirty. Poor Shiena. She does need to go see a therapist.
For those of you who had read the original story, you might have recognized the arc with Sumireko. Since I really don't like how it went out in the original story, I decided to redo it, as well as using it to make some progress with Otoya and Shiena's relationship. I hope you liked it.
Yup, I should really rename that fic "Shiena being bullied by her old classmates".